Phoenix City Councilmember Kesha Hodge Washington on Making a Difference

An Honorable Profession

Filmed at the 14th Annual NewDEAL Leaders Conference in Washington, D.C., host Ryan Coonerty talks with Phoenix, AZ, City Councilmember Kesha Hodge Washington. She shares her approach to leadership and her commitment to creating opportunities for more people in her community. The conversation delves into her journey from the U.S. Virgin Islands to the Valley of the Sun and how this ultimately led her down the path of politics and on to the City Council. She shares how she balances immediate neighborhood needs with long-term policy goals, and talks about ensuring big investments create broad-based economic opportunities, her plan to plant 27,000 trees in her city, and guaranteeing people facing eviction the right to legal counsel. Tune in to learn how local leaders can make tangible differences.

IN THIS EPISODE:

• [02:04] Kesha's journey from the U.S. Virgin Islands to serving on the City Council.

• [05:24] Her experience working in public service and what she finds most rewarding.

• [06:04] Advocating for the right to counsel to address Phoenix’s growing eviction crisis.

• [08:10] Hear about the challenges of providing legal counsel to combat the eviction crisis.

• [09:03] Growing a balanced economy and leading Phoenix’s $500 million bond initiative.

• [10:46] Navigating national discourse in a local context and lessons from the last election.

• [14:07] Building climate change resilient cities and incorporating sustainable city planning.

• [16:39] What the next Trump administration will look like and her plans for small businesses.

• [18:51] Discover how public service can be a pathway to create meaningful change.